DIVE’s exceptional handling of Visual Effects for the feature film “The Road” was nominated for ‘Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture’ by The Visual Effects Society’s (VES) 8th Annual VES Awards.
The 8th Annual VES Awards recognize outstanding visual effects artistry in more than twenty categories of film, animation, television, commercials and video games. The Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture category is for superior VFX in a non-VFX driven film.
DIVE is understandably proud to be nominated in such esteemed company. Director John Hillcoat’s “The Road” was chosen alongside this year’s most notable films including Ron Howard’s “Angels and Demons”, Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes”, Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus” and Richard Kelly’s “The Box”, in the same category.
Nominees, veteran Visual Effects Supervisor Mark O. Forker and Compositing Supervisor Ed Mendez, delivered VFX for “The Road” created with subtle complexity. In the film, ominous signs and structures were first created and then tailored to match Hillcoat’s vision while scenes shot in austere locations primarily in Pennsylvania, were digitally stripped of life. DIVE (www.the-dive.net), is the visual effects and film finishing division of Shooters Post & Transfer.
“Working on films like this, is the reason I moved my family and my career back to Pennsylvania,” says Forker. “Being able to work so closely with a Director like John– and with a team that we put together from the ground up– makes the acknowledgement from the Visual Effects Society that much sweeter. Being a VES member for as long as I have, It’s rewarding to see the organization recognize DIVE’s efforts.”
Andy Williams, Executive Producer at DIVE, is proud of all the artists and production personnel who contributed to Hillcoat’s arresting film. He also sees the nomination as a testament to the talent that exists within the state. Williams noted that DIVE’s ability to attract key personnel back to Philadelphia after years of honing their skills in Hollywood has raised the bar on what’s possible in Pennsylvania.
“Having worked in LA, New York and London: the level of dedication and passion and perfectionism at DIVE was so impressive. When you’re in a huge pool like LA or London it’s very professional, but you don’t have the degree of interest that we found in our particular case,” says Hillcoat.
“Whether or not we win the award we feel like we’ve already won– and the Commonwealth should feel that way too,” says Ray Carballada, President of Shooters Post & Transfer. “Without the PA Film Tax Credit we wouldn’t have started DIVE or had the opportunity to work with Hillcoat on this film in Pennsylvania. But after having completed a body of work that is on par with the likes of “Sherlock Holmes” and “Angels and Demons,” we’re now making a name for ourselves in the industry, which can only lead to growth of DIVE.”
The 8th Annual VES Awards ceremony will be held on Feb. 28, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
About the VES
The Visual Effects Society (VES) is a non-profit, professional, honorary Society dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences and applications of digital visual effects and to upholding the highest uniform standards and procedures for the visual effects profession. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the VES is a global organization and has Sections in Australia, London, San Francisco and Vancouver.
The VES is the entertainment industry’s only official trade organization representing the extended community of visual effects practitioners including supervisors, artists, producers, technology developers, educators, PR/marketing specialists and studio executives. Its more than 2,000 global members contribute to all areas of entertainment from film, television and commercials to music videos, games and new media. The VES strives to enrich and educate its members and the entertainment community at large through many domestic and international events, screenings and programs. Visual effects professionals constitute a vital creative force in content creation and are literally shaping the future of entertainment. www.visualeffectssociety.com
About DIVE
Based in Philadelphia, PA, DIVE (www.the-dive.net), is the visual effects and film finishing division of Shooters Post & Transfer, led by veteran Visual Effects Supervisor Mark O. Forker, most recently Visual Effects Supervisor at Digital Domain, Los Angeles. As one of the East Coast’s premier post-production facilities for film finishing services, DIVE offers filmmakers the opportunity to complete Visual Effects, Digital Intermediates and Titles by coupling creative continuity with an integrated workflow. For more information contact DIVE VP Business Development Bob Lowery or Executive Producer Andy Williams at 267.514.7700
